Under the direction of Student Curator Gopal Pokharel (Sumiran) from Fisk University and Student Designer Myles Jones, a senior at Tennessee State University, Sole Study was created through Project Uplift, a program designed in partnership with Fisk and TSU to offer a student or recent graduate an opportunity to curate, design, market, and develop a program for an installation. Installed in the Frist’s Grand Lobby Elevator, Sole Study offers an immersive experience within a common, accessible space.
For Sole Study, Nashville artist Dominique “YOUNIQUE” Coleman created a series of twelve artworks that explore the cultural and creative connections between sneakers, hip-hop, and individuality. The artist conceives of his practice as “rapping through art” and Sole Study as a visual album—each work functions like a track contributing to the larger narrative of the series. Together, the works represent the artist’s journey, playing on the words sole and soul to establish themes of self-expression and cultural pride; this dual meaning invites viewers to consider both the tangible imprint of their steps—their soles—and the intangible essence of their being—their soul.
Through Coleman’s depictions of iconic sneakers, musical and sports references, and his unique thumbprint sole design, the installation highlights how sneakers have become a vehicle for storytelling. Rooted in African American culture yet resonating universally, the artworks bridge personal narratives and diverse heritages. These studies invite every individual to look inward to find inspiration to connect, reflect, and share their own stories.
Image top: YOUNIQUE. Summer ’04 Nique Reaction Sole Study, 2022. Mixed media; 15 x 15 in. Courtesy of the artist. © YOUNIQUE
Gopal Pokharel (Sumiran)
Gopal Pokharel is a senior computer science and mathematics student at Fisk University from Jhapa, Nepal. He is passionate about using technology to create solutions that have a lasting real-world impact. Although he comes from a tech background, he enjoys exploring different fields and believes that “you can learn from anyone and anywhere,” as his mother always says.
Myles Jones
Myles Jones grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and is a senior at Tennessee State University majoring in graphic design. He has a passion for artistic expression and sees it as therapeutic relief from a noisy world and a guiding tool for navigating life’s obstacles.
Dominique Coleman (Younique)
Coleman was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and is best known for his digital illustrations and paintings. Guided by his curiosity, he currently uses sneakers in his work as a vehicle to explore personal experiences and gain insight. He works as a visual artist and designer in Middle Tennessee, and his creative practice includes, illustration, digital illustration, photo compositing, graphic design, and more.
More about Project Uplift
Project Uplift is a partnership between the Frist, Fisk University, and Tennessee State University. Frist staff and university professors work closely together to integrate the program into both institutions’ curricula, providing more students with opportunities to gain an understanding of museum careers and participate in the curatorial and design processes.
Students in both classes gave presentations and received constructive feedback, and finalists were selected to present their ideas to Frist staff. Myles Jones was selected as the student graphic designer, and Gopal Pokharel was selected as the student curator, along with his presenting artist Dominique Coleman (Younique). All three worked with Frist staff to create the 2025 Project Uplift installation.
Exhibition supporters
The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by
